Sidney Lumet, the fine iconic director of Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, and The Verdict, has died. Known for bringing social realism to his work, Lumet began his directorial career in live television of the 1950’s.

As a child, Sidney Lumet appeared on Broadway in Dead End (in 1935), and The Eternal Road. After returning from World War II, he became involved with The Actor’s Studio. Lumet organized an off-Broadway group, and was chosen as its director. He continued directing in summer stock theatre, while teaching acting at the High School of Professional Arts.

Lumet gained famed as a television director working on the You Are There series with Walter Cronkite. He also directed original plays for Playhouse 90, Kraft Television Theatre, and Studio One, filming about 200 episodes. CHILD STAR SIDNEY LUMET –>

His first theatrical movie was the the memorable 12 Angry Men, selected for the assignment by its producer (and its star) Henry Fonda. His resume also includes Long Day’s Journey Into Night, The Pawnbroker, Murder on the Orient Express, Equus, and The Wiz. Lumet’s films were nominated 46 times in various categories, and awarded six Oscars, including four in the cinematic achievement, Network. In 2005, he received his only Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement.